Motorcycle Maintenance Tips
If you think that motorcycle maintenance requires special skills and tools, think again! There are many simple DIY motorcycle maintenance tips that you can perform yourself, right in the comfort of your garage. All you need is knowledge of where to get started and the confidence to proactively maintain your bike. To help you, the experts at BMW Motorrad of Santa Maria have created this guide. Keep reading to learn more, then visit us in Santa Maria, California, to look at our inventory of motorcycles for sale.
Check Your Owner’s Manual
When it comes to motorcycle maintenance, the owner’s manual is the first resource that you should refer to. It contains specific information about your motorcycle’s make and model and the manufacturer’s recommendations for maintaining your bike. You can also use the manual to make notes about the repair and maintenance work you performed on your bike, which can come in handy if you opt to sell off your bike in the future.
Examine the Brakes
Your motorcycle’s brakes are essential to your safety on the road. So, never ride when these are compromised. Examine the brake fluid reservoirs to see that they have the required fluid levels for your bike to run smoothly. Check the front and rear wheel levels and top off low levels as needed. If you notice that the brake pads have worn down, you’ll want to replace them immediately. Also, if you hear odd, squeaking, or grinding sounds, get our experts from BMW Motorrad of Santa Maria to inspect your motorcycle and suggest a fix.
Inspect the Tires
Your motorcycle’s tires keep your rides smooth and safe. To maintain good traction on the road surface, you’ll need to maintain the correct air pressure using the manufacturer’s recommendations in your owner’s manual. Use a tire pressure gauge to check the pressure of your tires and air them up as needed.
While you’re at it, inspect the tires to see if there are embedded objects or if the tread pattern is wearing down unevenly. Balding treads and cracked sidewalls may mean that you’ll need to replace the tires as soon as possible.
Fuel Up
Before a long ride, make sure that you fill up your motorcycle’s tank. You’ll want to use the correct fuel to get the best mileage and keep the machine running smoothly. High-octane fuel is an ideal option to try out as it contains little to no ethanol, which is a substance that can become corrosive if left in the tank for too long.
As a good practice, check your motorcycle’s fuel filter every month or two to ensure it’s clean enough to purify the fuel in it. If you notice odd sounds or your engine struggles to start, you’ll want to change the filter.
If you need more tips to maintain your BMW® motorcycle or help to fix an issue that’s too complex for you, visit BMW Motorrad of Santa Maria. Our experts can service your bike and get you ready to hit the road sooner than you think. And, if you want to upgrade your motorcycle, let our team know, and we will show you our latest inventory of BMW® motorcycles for sale and help you pick a model that suits your riding style. You can find us in Santa Maria, CA.